Say Hi to Emma

The craft beer scene in the UK is one of the most exciting things to be a part of right about now, especially in London. London is playing host to some of the most eclectic, enigmatic young brewers this country has ever seen, so managing a craft beer bar in the heart of the city is obviously pretty damn cool. 

That's what Emma does every day, as manager of BrewDog Camden, our first bar outside Scotland and in London. We swung by the bar to see what she thinks about the London craft beer scene and the beers she digs.

"My job is creating interesting events, developing the team to progress on their own beery journeys, ensuring customers have an amazing experience and preaching craft brewed beverages to the unconverted."

"My craft beer journey started in 2010 at a great pub in Stoke Newington called The Jolly Butchers. That's where I first met James as we held some BrewDog events. I then moved to Brighton to run a craft beer pub called The Spotted Dog, which was awesome, then I opened Craft Beer Co Brighton and eventually moved back to London to open their Islington branch before joining BrewDog at the Camden bar!"



"When it comes to London, seeing the standard and selection of beers improve in pubs has been great. It's a really exciting time to be working in beer at the moment, particularly in London. There has also been a lot of awful beer labelled as 'craft' because it is thought to be cool, which misses the point. It just makes the people with real expertise and skill really stand out. It's great to see so much experimentation with barrel ageing and playing with different yeast strains appearing here. Delighted to see some truly exciting UK-made sours happening...these things excite me greatly!"

"How did I get into beer? I think it's in my blood. My grandfather used to deliver beer during the blitz in Swansea to keep spirits up! The first time I tried Oak Aged Yeti from Great Divide was when I knew I had to make my career in beer."



"My favourite beer style has to be an Imperial Stout. I like extremes of flavour though, so anything from a Rauchbier to a Lambic pleases me. I am equally happy with the more balanced pilsners and IPAs these days though. The beauty is often found in the balance and I love the refreshment in something that is subtle and well constructed.  It can be easier to spot skill in brewing in a subtle, balanced style, though I will always love my big beers."

So Emma spends her days serving up some of the finest craft beer in North London, but what about brewing?

"I like going to 'play beer' when I can, but haven't since our Weird Beard brew day for Collab Fest last year. I don't enjoy cleaning enough to be a full time brewer to be honest! That's probably why the thought of being a gypsy brewing like Mikkeller does captures my imagination! It seems like all the fun minus the boring bits!"